Roots

So in my recent purging efforts I came across and old gem, a video of a lion dance and demo and the practices leading up to them from 2009. It featured a couple of long haired future Sifu's and past students from Onoway. I was laughing and smiling as I watched it. The amount of long flowing hair in that demo was radical.

A few notable observations- I understand why Sifu Brinker kept telling me I was overly vigorous with my drumming. I feel bad now watching those guys trying to unicorn step to the pace I was setting. Our dance moves were epic- everything from itchy ears to beboppin tails. The commentary coming from the videographer was entertaining to say the least, "this is happening live folks", "Sifu, you're in the way! She's always in the way!", "that guy has some mad skills!". The fight choreography from a couple young girls and the aforementioned future Sifu's was fun to watch.

Watching this video, I was reminded of where we all came from. This here was evidence of my roots. It grounded me, showing me how far we have all come in the past years and I find it cool to see how it led us to where we are now. With my lion dance debut coming up, I don't think this could have come at a better time. One of those guys would go on to become the head instructor of the school. One would become a top lion dancer. One was me.

Even though I am currently engrained in the Stony Plain school, I remember that I came from Onoway. I began in that school gym, was promoted to black in that gym and set a foundation for who and what I am now in that gym.